GREENBURGH, N.Y. — Long after the Knicks had ended their practice Sunday afternoon, Courtney Lee stayed out on the court playing Trey Burke one-on-one.

Lee, who missed all of preseason with a strained neck, battled Burke intensely.

That's part of the role Lee, an 11-year veteran guard, now sees for himself. His own playing time could be diminished, but he says he's intent on finding other ways to impact the team.

"My role coming in is not what’s guaranteed to me, what have I earned in the past," Lee said, sweat dripping him off him after practice. "It's what can I do to help this team? That goes for starting, coming off the bench, playing 10 minutes, not playing at all. ...So it’s whatever the team needs me to do, that’s my role."

Lee practiced at full speed Sunday for the first time since before preseason games began. Coach David Fizdale said after practice he hadn't discussed what Lee's status could be for Wednesday's season opener against the Atlanta Hawks, but seeing the way Lee practiced was "very encouraging."

"I mean I missed the whole preseason, so it wouldn’t be one of those things that if I didn’t play I’d be bitter about it," Lee said. "It’s just being smart and cautious of the injury that I did have. If he does throw me out there I’ll be ready."

Lee had a strong season last year, averaging 12 points per game while shooting 45.4 percent from the field and 40.6 percent from three-point range. He started 63 of the first 64 games he played in before losing his starting job late in the season as the Knicks began their youth movement.

The question now is how much playing time will Lee get this season as the Knicks continue to develop their younger players.

While Fizdale said he hasn't yet settled on a starting five for Wednesday, Tim Hardaway Jr. is a virtual lock to start at shooting guard while Kevin Knox will start at small forward.

Lee, the 22nd overall pick back in 2008, said he's satisfied with whatever role Fizdale gives him.

"Me and Fiz had a brief, very very short conversation," Lee said. "He told me in the summer I want you here, you’re a Knick and you’re going to have an important role for us. That’s all we discussed, that’s all I needed to hear."

While Lee wants to win, he understands that isn't where the team is at right now.

Lee sees himself as mentor to the team's younger players, something he experienced early in his career with the Orlando Magic.

"Yeah man if you can have your cake and eat it too, everybody would be happy," Lee said. "I’ve been in this league 11 years. When I first came in I had guys like Mickael Pietrus, Keith Bogans was working with us, JJ Redick. All these guys have been in the league before me. They did what I’m doing right now. They helped me a lot. They passed the torch to me. It’s only right for me to do the same thing."

There's always a chance, though, that Lee doesn't remain with the Knicks through the season, and there's a stronger chance he isn't with them in 2019-20.

Lee is entering the third year of a $48 million contract. The Knicks would need to unload that contract in order to offer a max deal to a free agent this summer, making Lee a prime trade candidate.

In the meantime, Lee is still with the Knicks. A lot of losing is likely on the way.

But Lee is prepared for whatever role he's given.

"Would I want to win right now? Of course," Lee said. "Everybody wants to win. But you’ve got to go through something to get to something. That’s where we’re at right now."